Suspension system as per the real vehicle; slide-molded suspension arms and springs w/delicated detail

Front wheels w/authentic tread detail made from DS

Sprocket w/realistic ribbed detail

Different road wheels rendered w/delicate detail on both sides

Photo-etched flange around sprocket wheel center

Brand new Magic Tracks for German half-track tractor

Track links have reinforcing structure

Final-drive housing made from separate parts with bolt and rib detail

New accurately shaped front fenders made from 2-directional slide mold

Tread pattern, rifle holders and lifting rings on floor replicated

One-piece slide-molded floor w/fender assembly

Side panel produced to scale thickness

One-piece side panel has bolt detail on both sides

Bench seats w/realistic texture

Dashboard and pedals finely detailed

Underside of floor w/supporting braces and openings

Spare tire in carrying frame stored under floor

OVM w/clamps mounted on seats or sides

Crisply detailed stowage rack on superstructure

Detailed rifle clamps and handrails

Finely detailed clear plastic windshield w/photo-etched wipers

Windshield can be portrayed folded up or down

Different doors w/bolt, hinge and handle detail

Stowage compartment doors w/realistic detail on both sides

Includes clear lenses for headlamps and spotlight

Movable spotlight mimics the real one

Photo-etched steps w/tread pattern next to front fenders

Front tow hook details courtesy of slide mold

Refined bolt detail on front fenders

Realistic engine hood formed from multiple parts w/louver detail

Detailed radiator cover w/filler cap

When Dragon released its Late Production version of the Sd.Kfz.7 8t Halftrack earlier this year (Item No. 6562), it arrived to great acclaim. This also engendered a large number of requests for the Initial Production variant which has now appeared on the scene! For model-makers desiring a 1/35 scale version of this famous halftrack, one with accurate features such as true-to-scale side panels and a correct length, this model from Dragon is the solution.

The Sonderkraftfahrzeug 7 (Sd.Kfz.7) was used by German forces throughout WWII and in all theaters of combat. It was designed to meet a requirement for a highly mobile tractor to pull 8.8cm FlaK guns and 15cm s.FH.18 howitzers. Thus the large halftrack's powerful engine could tow artillery pieces weighing up to 8 tonnes, as well as carry up to twelve soldiers and all their kit. While large numbers of this halftrack were produced during the war, there were never enough to go around. Fortunately Dragon has reincarnated this vehicle in miniature. Indeed, this is the most anticipated kit from Dragon since it was announced last year, and it's set to be the most popular version in the Sd.Kfz.7 family.

This variant allows modelers to place it in early-war dioramas such as Poland or France, as well as late-war scenes. The model is extremely accurate, and is replete with all kinds of detail, even in those places where it won't naturally be seen. An example is the engine bay, where the engine and gearbox are fully detailed beneath the hood. Many kit components are created by slide molds, resulting in accurate parts that are easily assembled. A prime mover for Dragon's s.FH.18 howitzer or 8.8cm FlaK is just one application modelers will find for this halftrack. This is a fine kit of the Sd.Kfz.7 Initial Production Halftrack, one that's been well worth the wait!